THE EFFECT OF LOW-INTENSITY AEROBIC EXERCISE ON MUSCLE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, AND BALANCE AMONG SEDENTARY ELDERLY PERSONS

An experimental group of 20 elderly subjects participated in 8 weeks o f low-intensity aerobic exercise while 27 subjects in a comparison gro up maintained their usual level of activity. The program consisted of stretching and strengthening chair exercises. A significant difference between the groups was found for flexibility of the ankles and the ri ght knee. No significant difference was found between the groups for m uscle strength or balance, although the experimental group improved th eir balance by 22%.